South City Breakers

Kia ora, mālō e lelei, talofa lava.

My name is Juanita and I am fundraising money to support the production of my dramedy short film "South City Breakers".

What's it about?

Ten years after forfeiting their position to compete at the country's prestigious dance championship, five dysfunctional high school friends attempt to reconcile their broken past through the sacred culture of hip hop.

Back in 2012, high school friends Veeta, Lincoln, Paulo, Sorb & Dare started up dance group "South City Breakers". They cleaned out every local hip hop dance competition and glided their way to the mecca championship, The Hip Hop Nationals. Sadly, Veeta jumped ship to another dance crew "Yolo" led by his popular, long time crush, Paris. Because the boys were short of one dancer who was also their lead choreographer, "South City Breakers" had to forfeit their chance to compete at the annual competition. 

Fast forward to 2022, Veeta who is now a renown international dancer, returns home to attend the funeral of Mr Faiva, the 'Breakers' mentor and teacher who managed the high school dancers. Before Veeta returns to Los Angeles, he receives a letter written from his beloved mentor with his last wish, "get them bloody boys back together and get to the Nationals". 

As Veeta looks at his old crew, he is bewildered at the enormous feat ahead of him. Not only have the boys packed on the weight, but they're not even close to being dance-fit let alone competition-ready. They are also quarrelsome, discontented with life and more evidently, they hate Veeta's guts...from the small intestine to the large, and even down to the colon. 

Can Veeta reconcile with the boys and mend the hurts from the past? And even if they do all get back together, do "South City Breakers" have what it takes to get into the National Championship?

Why this short film?

Because my team and I have an ever-lasting love for hip hop and we know from experience how the art form brings people and communities together. Mix that enduring passion together with gifted dancers, witty banter, the ever so loved ‘getting-the-team-back-together’ narrative, and voilà! We have a short film that's fun, motivating and awe-inspiring.

Where's the money going honey?

Big or small it’s no secret that making films are pricey. So, we need funding for equipment hire (camera, lights), wardrobe & set prop/design costs (remember? We also gotta take it back to 2012). And most importantly, taking care of our cast and crew for their time and effort (with food, koha etc.). So, every little bit counts to tell the vision of this quirky story. Whether you can spare chump change or a few hundy or even just sharing our campaign, we assure you every bit of support is gratefully appreciated! Thank you 🙏

Who am I?

I am an Aotearoa born, Tongan (Houma & Tu'anekivale) and Samoan (Vaisala & Safune) woman, from Auckland. Despite the history of these two conflicting islands I like to say, I am the best of both worlds. As a kid I was forced by my mother to video record all our family gatherings, funerals, parties, weddings etc. and I absolutely hated it. Why? Because being an introvert & holding the only video camera in the room back then, meant all eyes were on ME! Ironically, I would not even pursue the thought of filmmaking until much later, never too late to start right? Anyway, while working my 9-5, I studied part time and gained diplomas in Digital Film & also in Screen Production. Then I put my studies to action and helped family and friends film, edit & produce their music videos, promo ads & vlogs. So, now its time to bite the bullet and kick start my story-telling journey with this short film.

Note

Pssssst! Lastly, all donors will be kept updated throughout production and get an on-screen credit, cool aye. Donations made by NZ income earners qualify for a 33% tax credit from IRD with a receipt provided by The Arts Foundation. So, please, please, pahhhhleeese support and share this project with your communities.